Halloween Hop

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is celebrated
every year on the final Monday of May after Congress declared it a national
holiday in 1971. It is often thought to be the start of the summer season in
the United
States.

The holiday originated after
the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War, and it was later
extended to honor all Americans who have died while in military service. It was
General John Alexander Logan who was instrumental in declaring a special day in
May to be reserved to honor fallen Union soldiers who died during the Civil War
(1861-1865). However, it was not until the 1880s that the term Memorial Day was assigned. And it was
not until 1967 that the holiday was legally recognized as Memorial Day.

President James A. Garfield
was the first president to speak on Memorial Day (then Decoration Day) while he
was a Civil War General and Republican Congressman. On May 30,
1868, he spoke at Arlington
National Cemetary, saying: "“If silence is ever golden, it must be beside
the graves of 15,000 men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and
whose death was a poem the music of which can never be sung.”

Each May, Memorial Day is
the time when people visit cemeteries and memorials, and place flowers on the
graves of their deceased service members as well as on the graves of their
loved ones. Volunteers and cemetery personnel place flags on the graves of
those who have served.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

I'm pleased to showcase J.C. McKenzie on my blog today. Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West
Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired
her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

BLURB:

Andrea McNeilly's job as a
government agent is not asking questions, but then a routine assignment turns
into a botched assassination of a Master Vampire's human servant. Answers
become a priority. Her search to discover the truth is riddled with obstacles,
the largest being an oversized Werewolf who resembles a Norse god. Andy can't afford
the distraction he offers, because if she fails, she faces eternal enslavement.

Wick's job is to monitor Andy, but he prefers more intimate activities, none of
them G-Rated. His choices, however, are often not his own. His ability to help
Andy is limited by his bond to the Master Vampire.

Facing many trials and challenges along her path to redemption, Andy learns the
value of her freedom might be set too high.

EXCERPT:

A
large black wolf trotted into the clearing to confront me. He had a
white-tipped snout, white boots and mitts and would have looked cute had he not
been the most intimidating Werewolf I’d ever seen. Standing tall and solid,
power rolled off of his body. His eyes bore into mine. I sniffed the air. The
strong Werewolf scent of rosemary swirled around me, strong and seductive,
laced with sugar. A weird fuzzy sensation spread out from my chest. Whoa.

Alpha.

My
other form growled low, demanding release, straining against my skin. The
energy of the wolves built—layers upon layers of excitement and impatience. The
air pulsated with anticipation. They could sense the imminent kill.

Let
me out! My other form repeated, throwing her power against my built up walls,
howling in defiance.

When
the energy of the Werewolves surged, I finally released her. My wolf form
flowed out fast, wiping out the feline in little more than a heartbeat.
Smaller, weaker and the size of a natural wolf, a Shifter in this form was no
match for a Werewolf, especially a dominant one. I had time to meet the eyes of
the Alpha for only an instant before the pack leapt forward. My limbs shook. It
went against every instinct ingrained within me, but I rolled onto my
back—submissive.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

EXCERPT: Tye smiled down at her and pulled her
close, her back to his chest. He kissed the side of her forehead. “I
love you, Maria,” he whispered in her ear. “You know, it’s time for me to
settle down. You don’t have to live in a room at the inn or a house with your
sister. My ranch house is too large for one man. Let’s get married. We could
raise some cattle for me and some chickens for you. And a passel of kids for
both of us.” "And I’d lose my job. You know the school
board is opposed to having a married woman for a teacher.” She twisted her head
up to look at him. "Forget the dang school board—” "Tye—” Maria glanced at the dance floor and spotted
Millie moving toward the door on the other side of the barn. She wiggled free from
his embrace, turned toward him, and pulled his face down to meet hers, her lips
touching his. She kissed him soundly, brazenly. “Hold that thought, Rancher
Ashmore. We need to discuss this, but there’s something I have to do right now.
Right this minute.” "What? Hellfire! Where are you going?” To catch a
murderer. Maria smiled. “I need to talk to Millie Hanson. It’s really
important.”

"For the love of Pete! Why now?” he asked in disbelief.
“Maria, I’m trying to propos—” "Please, Tydall. Not now. I’ve waited all
evening to corral Millie and talk to her alone, away from the clutches of Aunt
Emma.” Before he could utter another word, she slipped away and disappeared
across the barn floor, threading her way among the dancers.

~*~ MAILBOX ~*~

About Me

Welcome! I am a Pennsylvania writer and author of short stories and novels. My latest contemporary romance is FOUR WHITE ROSES. Please feel free to sign up for my newsletter. Comments are always welcome and appreciated.